Bates County, Missouri
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Bates County, Missouri.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenoma silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 186K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Summit silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 47K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartwell silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 38K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eram-Balltown complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 33K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Verdigris silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deepwater silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 26K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Osage silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 22K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coweta loam, 5 to 14 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eram silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bates loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Osage silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Verdigris silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bucyrus silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eram silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kanima silty clay loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brazilton silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bates loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Okemah silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Balltown very flaggy silt loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hepler silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 90% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.